Top 5 Questions To Ask About a Potential MBA Program
If you are considering grad school, congratulations! Furthering your education is a big step, and it is one that comes with many benefits. With that said, investing in higher education is a major decision, and it comes with significant sacrifices.
Given the fast pace of modern society and the ever-changing lifestyle patterns of families and households, flexibility is a major selling point for many students when they are thinking about a career change or going back to school. For this reason, an MBA program is a common choice. If you are looking at this academic track, take a look at these five questions to ask about a potential program.
1. What Are the School’s Specializations?
While there are similarities across the many MBA programs out there, you can expect the specializations that each offers to be different. Whatever your personal business interests are is usually the best determinant for figuring out what you want to specialize in. Make sure to speak to advisors in multiple specializations so you can compare options.
2. Where Is the Location of the MBA Program?
Another important question for a potential MBA program is about the location. How close (or far) is it from where you live? Are you considering online? For many schools, there are also multi-location options across regions as well as hybrid class formats. Think about your personal commuting resources, preferences and whether you would like to move somewhere new.
3. What Teaching Styles Can You Expect?
When it comes to grad school, teaching styles can greatly vary from instructor to instructor. Inquiring about this when you talk to an advisor can give you some insight into what you might expect from a particular program you are considering. Ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes to get a feel for how different instructors teach. Some schools also have video recordings of class sessions available.
4. What Will Curriculum Look Like?
Just like specializations vary for MBA programs, so do the curriculums. While there are some core classes that you will see across most programs, it is particularly important to pay attention to the more unique offerings that might fit your future goals. If you are looking for a particular class and do not see it, ask an advisor about independent study options that might work as an alternative.
5. What Is the Program’s Acceptance Rate?
One more MBA program question worth asking about is the program’s acceptance rate. In addition, consider the overall acceptance rate of the school, too. This inquiry is not to give you anxiety but to give you a clearer picture of expectations before putting time and money into an MBA program application. Be sure to compare the acceptance rates across different schools to get a more complete picture.
Completing an MBA program has many benefits, but getting there is not a walk in the park. Because of the time, money and effort necessary to complete a graduate degree, asking yourself questions like these can give you a better idea of what you really want to do going forward.